Opus
If music is a universal language that can touch the heart,
soul, and inner longings of those who hear it--and theater is a
collaborative art form in which writers, directors, actors,
musicians, choreographers, and designers combine their talents to
tell a story--then revealing the painful background of a brilliant
but temperamental string quartet in the midst of a crisis is a
Herculean task.
Such is the premise of "Opus," which is currently enjoying its
world premiere at The Fountain Theatre. Written by playwright
Michael Hollinger (a classically trained violinist who knows the
territory first-hand), and exquisitely directed by Simon Levy, this
intimate production is living theater at its best.
In fact, with five superb actors portraying musicians in the
Lazara Quartet, one might say that Levy directed "Opus" the way a
conductor directs a classical musical score. Like the Beethoven,
Bach, and Mozart that the Lazara Quartet performs, the acting is
nuanced--alternately bold and pianissimo, passionate and fortissimo,
andante and breathtaking.
Christian Lebano plays Elliot--the arrogant, authoritative,
first violinist who gives commands and calls the shots. By
contrast, Cooper Thorton plays Alan--the thoughtful, pragmatic,
second violinist who is usually quiet; but he finds his voice and
speaks his mind when it becomes necessary.
The cellist Carl (Gregory G. Giles) is also low-key and
self-contained, but he doesn't miss a thing. Like a sleeping tiger
who goes for the juggler when rudely awakened, you don't want to
step on his tail.
All of them are accomplished virtuosi; but Dorian (the visionary
violist) is a goddamn musical genius. Brilliantly portrayed by
Daniel Blinkoff, he can see, hear and feel how every note is
connected to the score.
But Dorian is also bi-polar, and completely unpredictable when
off his medication. The fact that he and Elliot are secret lovers
only adds to the volatile relationship of the four musicians.
That said, this world-famous quartet has more than enough tension in
its life when Dorian disappears just weeks before a special
performance at the White House.
Pandemonium breaks out, personalities clash, and tempers flare
as the three remaining members seek someone to replace him. Will
Grace (Jia Doughman), the young, pretty, talented violist fit into a
group of men with such an explosive history?
The audience sits mesmerized as the characters swim through
turbulent waters in pursuit of their masterpiece. In short: To
create tonal perfection, four clashing personalities must synthesize
their differences into one seamless, breath-taking performance of
Beethoven's most difficult composition.
Drop what you're doing right now. Make reservations for "Opus"
at the Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave at Normandie. Call (232)
663-1525 or go on line at www.FountainTheatre.com. Performances
take place Thurs-Sat at 8:00 and Sunday at 2:00 through Aug. 29.